Melanie McFarland has her finger on the pulse of the television remote. The networks, the premium channels, the great shows you love and the asinine shows the rest of America watches … she knows what's on. If you have a question, e-mail her at tvgal@seattlepi.com.

From the “Until Something Better Comes Along” Dept.: The CW grants full seasons to “The Game” and “7th Heaven”

If you even bothered to open this item — well, first off, I’m shocked. And secondly, I must apologize, because I have very little to add to this news beyond sharing the press release.

OK, I will say this — if The CW doesn’t grant “Veronica Mars” its back nine after letting “The Game” stay alive, I’ll be all sortsa P-O’ed.

(Burbank, CA) October 20, 2006 — The CW Network has picked up the back nine episodes of freshman comedy “The Game” and returning drama “7th Heaven,” giving each series a full season order, it was announced today by Dawn Ostroff, President of Entertainment, The CW.

Retaining 95% of its “Girlfriends” lead-in among women 18-34, “The Game” centers on the lives and relationships among NFL wives, girlfriends and mom/managers who use their best “game” to help their men stay on the field and on their arm. The series stars Tia Mowry (“Sister, Sister”), Coby Bell (“Third Watch”), Pooch Hall (“Miracle’s Boys”), Hosea Chanchez (“For Your Love”), Brittany Daniel (“White Chicks”) and Wendy Raquel Robinson (“The Steve Harvey Show”).

“7th Heaven” was created by Brenda Hampton (“Fat Actress,” “Mad About You,” “Blossom”), who also serves as executive producer along with Chris Olsen and Jeff Olsen. The series is produced by CBS Paramount Network Television, in association with Spelling Television.